Penguins' Malkin could make NHL debut in days
Friday, October 13, 2006

By Dave Molinari, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Penguins center Evgeni Malkin could make his NHL debut in a matter of days.

Malkin received contact in practice today for the first time since dislocating his left shoulder Sept. 20, and coach Michel Therrien raised the possibility that, pending further medical evaluation, Malkin could be in the lineup as early as Wednesday, when the Penguins will face New Jersey at Mellon Arena.

"I hope (he'll play in) less than a week," Therrien said. "We'll see. But he's close."

Malkin wore a black shoulder support under his hockey gear during practice and had ice on his shoulder afterward, but his play betrayed no problems related to his injury.

"He's making some great progress," Therrien said. "Evgeni's working really hard to get back into the lineup as soon as possible. We're excited about the way he's come along with that injury. He's close. He's close."